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I have been watching the forums with interest over the last few weeks and would like to offer a suggestion. It appears at first glance that everything relating to the site, whilst promoting good Tarantula husbandry, and while intentional or not – is inherently biased towards experienced keepers.
Whilst I appreciate my following suggestion is going to add a work load to Mark Pennell and the rest of the BTS crew – the outcome could help spread the knowledge of Tarantula husbandry to a wider audience. I make no apology in my belief that a small minority BTS members seem to think that the right to own a Tarantula is an exclusive privilege. The forum feedback referring to the act of buy a Tarantula on ebay and the lack of knowledge required to simply acquire a spider, made me realise that despite even my own best intentions and provision of information is still lacking. We have an opportunity to do more to spread the word and also my own personal mission; to bring the world of the arachnid to the masses and not just the perceived elite few. By looking at a wider picture, if the BTS could implement just some of my ideas then the culminate knowledge of the entire membership could proactively drive the methodology of the BTS to everyone who had an interest in starting in our wonderful hobby.
There appears to be a lack of “How To” information for new or prospective keepers, unless of course you post a question in a forum. The recent discussions in relation to DWA species is a prime example. There are a lot of people out there who wouldn’t necessarily understand what a DWA license is – or is for. There are also a number of forums posted asking some really basic keeping questions. Whilst I think it is fantastic that new keepers ask these “basic” questions, in many cases it is very basic rudimentary knowledge that is readily available if you go looking for it. There are a number of very good knowledge base web sites available that in terms of keeping Tarantulas make the BTS site look quite poor – many of these sites are operated by BTS members.
In the BTS site – could we not have a section devoted to those thinking of buying their first Tarantula. With maybe subsections divided into the categories questions such as but not limited to,
• Thinking of buying a Tarantula
o Reasons for doing so.
o Reasons for not doing so.
o Preconceived misconceptions – Can spiders kill you etc??
• What species should I buy?
o What species is for the beginner?
o What should I avoid?
o What is the difference between arboreal and terrestrial?
o Should I buy and adult or a sling?
o What defences do Tarantulas have?
o Where can I buy my Tarantula?
o Petshop or approved dealer?
• How should I keep my Spider Housed?
o Tanks and Vivariums
o Heating
o Lighting
o Humidity
o Substrates
o Furnishings
• What should I feed my chosen Tarantula?
• How often should I feed it?
• Should I handle it?
• Will I need other equipment?
I am sure you get the picture with what I am suggesting. Perhaps also you could add links to potential BTS approved suppliers. Suppliers who have met approved BTS standards for husbandry, quality of service and knowledge.
I have seen the knowledge section in the questions matrix and whilst they are good, they are all aimed at people who have already acquired their spiders. What I am suggesting is aiming information at people who have little or no knowledge and are turning to the BTS for advice, without having the commitment of owning a Tarantula. The society caters for the keeper – but it is lacking for the prospective.
I would be interested in what other people think to my idea?
Whilst I appreciate my following suggestion is going to add a work load to Mark Pennell and the rest of the BTS crew – the outcome could help spread the knowledge of Tarantula husbandry to a wider audience. I make no apology in my belief that a small minority BTS members seem to think that the right to own a Tarantula is an exclusive privilege. The forum feedback referring to the act of buy a Tarantula on ebay and the lack of knowledge required to simply acquire a spider, made me realise that despite even my own best intentions and provision of information is still lacking. We have an opportunity to do more to spread the word and also my own personal mission; to bring the world of the arachnid to the masses and not just the perceived elite few. By looking at a wider picture, if the BTS could implement just some of my ideas then the culminate knowledge of the entire membership could proactively drive the methodology of the BTS to everyone who had an interest in starting in our wonderful hobby.
There appears to be a lack of “How To” information for new or prospective keepers, unless of course you post a question in a forum. The recent discussions in relation to DWA species is a prime example. There are a lot of people out there who wouldn’t necessarily understand what a DWA license is – or is for. There are also a number of forums posted asking some really basic keeping questions. Whilst I think it is fantastic that new keepers ask these “basic” questions, in many cases it is very basic rudimentary knowledge that is readily available if you go looking for it. There are a number of very good knowledge base web sites available that in terms of keeping Tarantulas make the BTS site look quite poor – many of these sites are operated by BTS members.
In the BTS site – could we not have a section devoted to those thinking of buying their first Tarantula. With maybe subsections divided into the categories questions such as but not limited to,
• Thinking of buying a Tarantula
o Reasons for doing so.
o Reasons for not doing so.
o Preconceived misconceptions – Can spiders kill you etc??
• What species should I buy?
o What species is for the beginner?
o What should I avoid?
o What is the difference between arboreal and terrestrial?
o Should I buy and adult or a sling?
o What defences do Tarantulas have?
o Where can I buy my Tarantula?
o Petshop or approved dealer?
• How should I keep my Spider Housed?
o Tanks and Vivariums
o Heating
o Lighting
o Humidity
o Substrates
o Furnishings
• What should I feed my chosen Tarantula?
• How often should I feed it?
• Should I handle it?
• Will I need other equipment?
I am sure you get the picture with what I am suggesting. Perhaps also you could add links to potential BTS approved suppliers. Suppliers who have met approved BTS standards for husbandry, quality of service and knowledge.
I have seen the knowledge section in the questions matrix and whilst they are good, they are all aimed at people who have already acquired their spiders. What I am suggesting is aiming information at people who have little or no knowledge and are turning to the BTS for advice, without having the commitment of owning a Tarantula. The society caters for the keeper – but it is lacking for the prospective.
I would be interested in what other people think to my idea?
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